Christmas Book Signing by Elizabeth Wallace, overseas member of the Society of Women Writers & Journalists.

Her book Christmas Past in Essex is selling well this year, both in the US and England. Here she is at a couple of Borders Bookshops in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was delighted to see so many people stop by to purchase books and have them personalized and autographed. Her eponymous book about Cororado Springs is also receiving great attention, along with earlier books which can still be obtained via Elizabeth on her website (www.extraordinaryplaces.com) or from Amazon. Work never stops for Elizabeth who has just finished yet another book, hopefully to go on the bookshelves next year. As well as being a fine writer, she is also a broadcaster and lecturer.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Billericay resident, Mark Waller’s Christmas cards will carry more than the usual festive greetings this year. Along with his best wishes – Mark‘s family and friends will receive a unique photograph showing a piece of Billericay history. This picture shows the owner of Billericay’s first taxi firm operating from the Railway Hotel yard with Edward Bull at the wheel of his first taxi in 1911.

Mark Waller – joint proprietor of a local taxi firm, loves local history and has learned much about life a century ago. Even before the first locomotive steamed into Billericay Railway’s flag-festooned station on a cold morning on lst January 1889, local folk had experienced huge activity taking place in the area. Many Irish navvies were at the time living and working in the town. With very basic digging equipment, the gangs of workmen had performed the magnificent feat of excavating one of the deepest railway cuttings into the bank, constructing the line that now takes us into London and beyond. Although many local people walked to the station much as they do now, some travellers needed transport and this is where the old horse-brakes came into their own.

With the coming of the railway, came the demolition, in 1885, of the ancient inn, the Dog and Partridge, which had stood roughly half-way across the bridge. It was replaced by the Railway Hotel which opened in 1889, as was The Crown opposite. Both pubs were picking-up point for the carriers, horse-brakes and early taxis waiting for passengers alighting from the trains.

This is where William Bull came in. He used his carrier’s cart, which took passengers, goods and mail to Brentwood in the last century. This business was divided later; the carriers and postal service being taken over by Fred Eales and the passenger service becoming a single taxi run by Edward Bull. Originally, it was the only taxi for miles around, although a rival service at the Crown Hotel was set up later. From 1926 when he began operating his taxi service, William Collier used the garage on the south side of the Railway Hotel.

But to modern times - Mark Waller observed: "Obviously, the town’s population has increased over the years. I’ve lived in the town for more than 25 years so know it like the back of my hand. I’ve seen Billericay transformed from being a sleepy semi-rural High Street during the 1980s to the busy town it is today."

Although Mark enjoys his local history, he’s on the ball when it comes to business. Advanced Taxi's latest development concerns TAXICALL, a group of five independent taxi drivers who can receive bookings directly to their own mobile phone via a dedicated number 01277 888 988. The Company currently operates four 7-seater vehicles and one saloon car and is happy to take on general enquiries, airport bookings, and corporate events. Further details from Mark advancedtaxicall@btinternet.com or phone: 01277 634288with

Friday, December 19, 2008

The Internet has spawned many websites that promise to help new writers, but I can honestly say that WritersReign.co.uk is one of the best I’ve found.

No costs involved - it’s free and can I say a very much “stress free” site that offers new and aspiring writers cartloads of help, encouragement and inspiration, all in an easygoing, easily assimilated fashion.

Competition listings for short stories, poetry and other creative avenues are updated regularly, and Mervyn Love, its creator, is constantly adding to the pages for links to other writing sites. He makes me laugh, too, with his dry humour. http://www.writersreign.co.uk/

There's a comprehensive article archive that has proved very popular, as are the sections on Software for Writers and Writing Courses. If you have any questions about those little computer or Word for Windows problems that pop up with exasperating regularity, there’s a special section where you can find answers to these and other writing head scratchers.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The 10th Essex Book Festival! The biggest and best ever! Few pics of earlier festivals which include Martin Newell, Gilda O'Neill, some of the BBC Essex folk and a few other friends.

2009 Book Festival programme

The festival patrons are Francis Wheen and Germaine Greer and, for the first time this year, writer and journalist Sylvia Kent and novelist Barbara Erskine.

The full Festival programme will be available in libraries from the end of December. The Box Office opens 5th January 2009. You can book by post using the booking form in the programme, by telephone 01206 573948 or go to: www.essexbookfestival.org.uk****************************************************************************The Essex Book Festival is the biggest reading festival in the Eastern region. Each year best-selling authors and up-and-coming writers appear at the festival.

In 2009 The Essex Book Festival will celebrate its 10th birthday. With a formidable line-up of writers, poets, journalists and broadcasters we are sure you will get inspiration and awaken your own creative mind.

With over 60 events throughout March and across Essex, there's really something for everyone. You will be able to meet some of the biggest names in writing today, plus the pick of home-grown Essex writers. It's a unique opportunity for readers and writers to meet through readings, discussions and performances.Some of the top names include:Broadcaster and writer Melvyn Bragg. Discover unique insights into the life of this prolific author and broadcaster. Melvyn Bragg will talk about writers who draw on their own lives for inspiration, including his own powerful autobiographical novels.

Joan BakewellMeet iconic writer and broadcaster Joan Bakewell, one of Britain's most influential journalists. Joan's first novel, All the Nice Girls, is a sweeping story of love and loss, in which wartime events of 1942 reverberate to the next generation.

6 March 7.30pmGrignon HallFelsted SchoolFelsted CM6 3LLTickets £10/£8

Roy HattersleyOne of the key figures in twentieth century politics and now a successful author and journalist Roy Hattersley shares with us his insightful view of Britain between the wars, from his latest book, Borrowed Time.

Alison Weir's book The Lady ElizabethAlison Weir Is a popular historian, bringing the past to life in biographies and novels. The Lady Elizabeth is a story of suspense, tragedy and intrigue in the period before Elizabeth became Queen.

18 March 3pmWickford LibraryMarket RoadWickfordSS12 OAGTickets £4/£3

Free eventMartin Newell

Broadcaster, songwriter and rock musician Martin Newell presents poetry for people who don't like it and for those who do. Prepare for a lively, humorous evening of Martin's unique take on life.

There will be crime, history, life-style and creative writing events, storytelling events for the whole family, comics workshops and events to celebrate the Jiangsu Festival. And, as ever, Essex writers will be well represented.

If you would like to download the programme please click on the image on the right.Section Index

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

What a super Christmas party held in Brentwood's Ursuline last week! This was provided by Chairman of the Brentwood Writers’ Circle, Ena Love and her committee. It was climax time for our members who entered the Circle’s Nancy Meggs’ Competition. This year the theme was “An Essex Disaster” and who should win the silver cup and cheque – Ena herself. Her theme was the Essex Earthquake in 1884. Here we see Ena (holding the cup) and competition runners-up Colleen Cole and Jim Reeve with Frances Clamp, our President. John Roberts was also a runner-up but wasn't around for the photocall. This group of writers goes from strength to strength with more than sixty members and a healthy waiting list. BWC has been growing strongly since 1941 – created locally by Elizabeth Baxter, an author and poet. We have been successful over the ensuing years with half our membership seeing their work published. We provide a warm welcome to visitors.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Friday, December 05, 2008

MAKING FRIENDS, MAKING MUSIC is the apt slogan for the Howard Wallace Chorale, the superb choir who will be helping the Billericay 2393 AIR TRAINING CORPS CADETS raise funds on Saturday, 13 December. We are so lucky in having them visit us and providing their wonderful music and singing at the Emmanuel Church in the Laindon Road. Here we see Tim Rhys-Morgan and some of the 90-strong Chorale. Tickets at £8 include refreshment and wine can be obtained by phoning 01277 623013 or from The Story Teller Bookshop in the High Street.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

As many regular expat readers know, small English towns know how to celebrate Christmas in the traditional way. One annual event everyone seems to turn out for is the Grand High Street Christmas Parade which took its important part of Billericay Fun night (courtesy of the town’s Rotarians). Here we have some of our Falabella miniature horses leading the parade, which were followed by Father Christmas in his sleigh – the lovely warm atmosphere contrasted to a freezing cold night. Most of the shops were open and welcoming, mincepies, port and sherry were there for everyone and folk from St Mary Magdalen's Church provided hot drinks to the background of the best of Christmas Carols. Our super Tony Motley, from the famous Billericay Mayflower Morrismen - his hat decorated in true Christmas fashion -was there. This year, he was accompanied by his lovely daughter Danyelle who was showcasing her beautiful range of creative jewellery. For more detail, do email me.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Irma Kurtz, Melvyn Bragg and Andrew Summers (alongside John Debenham) will be appearing at the Essex Book Festival in March, along with dozens of great writers.

The Essex Book Festival celebrates its tenth birthday in March 2009. The Launch is at Chelmsford Library on Thursday 5 March. A superb list of authors and journalists will be speakers at venues all around Essex. The full Festival Programme will be available within 80 Essex libraries from the end of December. Box Office opens 5th January 2009

China figures largely in the Book Festival. We will welcome many Chinese writers such as novelists Chiew Siah Tei and Liu Hong appearing along with Xinran who gives a voice to the people of China in China Witness with performers from China Arts. Caroline Courtauld will be unveiling the secrets of the Forbidden City.

Monday, December 01, 2008

The ALCS held their AGM in London last week. It celebrated its thirtieth birthday last year. Writers need all the help they can get and this is one organisation who, with a small governing board - work hard in supporting us all. Many benefits are there - just check out their website www.ALCS

Thursday's original venue was planned to be in the ancient Stationers' Hall, but just a few hours earlier, a power cut at the building forced their team to evacuate to a lovely venue just around the corner which accommodated us all without problem. What a superb evening it turned out to be, with a party and presentation of book awards following the business side. Seven of our members from the Society of Women Writers & Journalists attended and it was great to relax and also meet other authors and journalists. Picture here of our very own member, journalist Sally Ann Voak, well known for her many books connected to good health and dieting. Her work has appeared regularly in the Sun newspaper over many years. She is pictured here with crime writer, Jeremy Cameron whose books, set in East London, enjoy popularity. A happy evening was enjoyed by all.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Party season approaching. Lovely to meet up with many writers from other national organisations (I’m a member of the Society of Women Writers & Journalists) and am already enjoying pre-Christmas celebrations. On Wednesday last, I renewed friendship with members of the Romantic Novelists Association who met at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, at Number One Birdcage Walk in London’s Westminster – a beautiful building. My host was novelist Elizabeth Lord, a keen member of the RNA whose 21 books are selling well. Her latest book, A SECRET INHERITANCE published by Severn House is an intriguing tale, one I hope to read soon. All Elizabeth's books can be found in major bookshops and libraries in Britain and across the US. In addition to family sagas, Elizabeth also writes historical fiction. Few pictures here taken at last week's RNA show Elizabeth and her literary agent, Teresa Chris.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Fellow writer, Sarah Banham launches her third book "Guardian Angel"on Thursday 20th November at 7pm at Waterstone’s Bookshop, 76 High Street, Chelmsford. Book price is £6.99 and she will post it to you for £1.50 (£3.50 overseas),

Guardian Angel looks as interesting as “Dicing with Danger” and “Jenna’s Dad”, both of which are selling well. Sarah’s website is below – check her out – an industrious and fascinating author.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Kiddiwalks in Kent - Super book by our friend, Janet. Enthusiasm abounds on every page. It is clearly illustrated by words, pictures and maps. Children will love walking and exploring the woods and trails explained so well.

The historical outline for each area adds a touch of mystery and magic. Nothing like the walk to school - you will hear them say so! It is certainly a book to get us back on our feet, whether we are children, mums, dads or grandparents. The walks are not too daunting for old legs as well as younger ones.

Each walk includes a heading: 'Fun Things to See and Do'. Kiddiwalks in Kent gives everyone an excellent opportunity to watch for birds, discover hiding places in the undergrowth where pheasants and hares linger. See a lighthouse, a working windmill, a Viking ship, a chance to paddle in shallow streams, to throw bread to chuckling ducks on Goudhurst's lovely pond, to gather interesting pebbles and shells, listen for the marsh frog, maybe a ride on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway. Such exciting adventures with plenty of information regarding food and comfort stops. Even buggies can be accommodated on some of the walks. What more can one ask? These walks are very suitable for children and accompanying adults.

Not sure who, in the SWWJ. wrote this book review, but it does sum up Janet's latest book. Nice picture here of an earlier event when Janet won an award for her monologue. Princess Michael came along to present her prize.

Elizabeth's latest book is selling wonderfully well, both in Denver Colorado and her home county of Essex, CHRISTMAS PAST IN ESSEX production run sold out last year by lst December. Elizabeth lectures both in Denver and England and is one of our longest-standing members of the Society of Women Writers & Journalists - overseas branch. Liz is currently working hard on her latest book,an intriguing work of fiction. This will be published in the States next year. More information later.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Panto time again and our friend, actor Mike Edmonds is rehearsing for Snow White at the Regent Theatre Stoke On Trent. He opens on Thursday 11 December through to 11 January. Mike - who was one of the Star Wars film heroes and theatre regulars, travels the world, appearing at Star War Conventions and performing in theatre work. Interesting photo of him with the Goodies and a few more with his friends and fans at book signings.

One of Waterstone's best selling authors, Graham Smith, will be speaking at their 76 High Street store in Chelmsford on Thursday 13 November at 7pm. I show you the front of one of his earlier books - ESSEX AIRFIELDS IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR - just one of many books in his series. Now his fans have a chance to listen to him talking about his very latest book HEROES OF BOMBER COMMAND SUFFOLK. Graham is a superb speaker and an authority on his subject, so do go along. The coffee's good, too! Tickets cost £2 from Waterstone's 01245 268737.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Leave that huge television and come along to the Reading Rooms in Billericay High Street on Saturday at 7pm to experience what Victorian families used to enjoy - a Magic Lantern Show. Friends of the Cater Museum will be there to help John Alexander present his own slides and those of the Museum. Do come - gorgeous home made cakes and refreshments will be there, too! Tickets £4 can be ordered from the Cater Museum 01277 622023. More detail in this week's Billericay Weekly News.

Writers are all around us and what a pleasure to meet these super people from Hatfield Peverel at 'Parky's' booksigning last week in Chelmsford's Waterstone's. Joyce's books outlining the history of her town Hatfield Peverel have long since sold out, but we can still read them in Essex Libraries. Super lady!

Monday, November 10, 2008

APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE!My pal, journalist and playwright, Doreen Friend who is much involved with the arts in Waltham Forest, is hard at work on her new play, Eddy's Revenge. This will be presented in March 2009 in the Waltham Forest Festival. Doreen, who was formerly editor of the SWWJ's prestigious WOMAN WRITER journal, is now enthusiastic about her latest project, a new magazine/newsletter mentioned on www.applauseapplause.co.uk. It's well worth a visit and promises to provide theatrical information concerning entertainment, early publicity on upcoming productions occurring in East London. The area is still proud of its fine theatres including the Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford. Check out the classes, events and productions lined up. I'm sure they would appreciate comments and contributions covering this interesting part of London.

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Latest meeting of the Society of Women Writers & Journalists on Monday brought a trio of lovely new Council members to our gathering at the Swedenborg Centre in Holborn. Here we have Samantha Pearce from Essex, Silja Swaby from Surrey and Penny Legg from Hampshire. More about them another time, but here’s a picture celebrating their first meeting.

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Busy day today - managed to meet up with a super lady and write up the interview with her for an Essex journal then off to Chelmsford to take pictures of Sir Michael Parkinson. He was signing copies of his autobiography - Parky. Queue of more than a hundred outside Waterstone's - but all came in quickly and met Parky and had their books signed. Met the usual journos and some nice new photographers, so the resulting snaps will be in the local press as of tomorrow. The publishing team and staff - headed by Vicky at Waterstone's - were highly organised and coped well with streams of people wanting to get into the store, not an easy task. He has been busy on a whistle stop tour around Britain signing the book and his new DVD containing the best of his interviews – a nice Christmas stocking filler.

A taut new adaptation of Dostoyevsky's classic tale of murder, guilt and redemption is coming to Barons Court Theatre in November.

Crime and Punishment is one of the most gripping and claustrophobic works of Fyodor Dostoyevsky, a writer with an uncanny ability to transcribe the mental contortions and shifting uncertainties of characters on the edge of madness. (He was himself an epileptic in a time when the condition was little understood, and a chronic gambler.)

About Me

As a F/L columnist/author, my features have appeared in national, regional magazines and on-line journals. Following my Freelance Writer of the Year award for Writing Magine, my work has appeared in 69 titles.My book FOLKLORE OF ESSEX contributed to Channel 5’s film COUNTY SECRETS. My book THE WOMAN WRITER, published by History Press is sold at the British Library.This history of the Society of Women Writers & Journalists dates from 1894 and includes pioneers who made their mark in journalism, literature & poetry.I celebrate the centenary of Joyce Grenfell, a former SWWJ president.A chapter is dedicated to Joyce. My books were reviewed in The Times, other dailies & Youtube. I’m SWWJ’s Archivist & work with several journals including on-line specialists.Ebook titles are BRENTWOOD: HISTORIC TOWN & ST MARY MAGDALEN: BILLERICAY, downloadable via Kindle as are most 4,000 articles linked to Facebook,Twitter @sylviaakent & Suite 101. Film/audio clips now added. Check index box at top left-hand side of this page. My 10th book BARKING & DAGENHAM FROM OLD PHOTOGRAPHS sells well.I am now a Vice President of SWWJ. www.swwj.co.uk Currently 290,000 page views